I–♭III–♭VII–IV in B Major

Pattern: I – ♭III – ♭VII – IV Chords: B – D – A – E

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I	B (details)	major	Tonic
♭III	D (details)	major	Mediant
♭VII	A (details)	major	Subtonic
IV	E (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through B (Tonic) → D (Mediant) → A (Subtonic) → E (Subdominant).

The I–♭III–♭VII–IV progression blends Mixolydian and Dorian borrowings into a four-chord rock loop. The ♭III and ♭VII add modal color while the IV provides a familiar landing point. This pattern is a staple of arena rock and jam-band music.

Song Examples

Hey Jude (coda) — The Beatles
Sympathy for the Devil — The Rolling Stones

Chord Details

B D A E

More Progressions in B Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I